Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms

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Carbon monoxide poisoning is often the result of malfunctioning or
leaking combustion engines, which are used to power various household
appliances and vehicles.

Since the gas is odorless and colorless, carbon
monoxide leaks can go unnoticed until those exposed to the gas begin
experiencing symptoms of poisoning, including nausea, fatigue, headaches
and confusion. When the gas is ingested, it deprives the body of oxygen
and causes cell death throughout the body, a condition known as hypoxia.

Unlike most cells, though, brain cells do not regenerate after hypoxia,
putting carbon monoxide poisoning victims at risk for serious side
effects, including brain injuries or death.

Contrary to popular belief, carbon monoxide poisoning and consequent
brain damage can occur even without a loss of consciousness. In fact,
some patients who are exposed to very high levels of carbon monoxide
will notice few signs or symptoms of poisoning.

Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms may also go unnoticed since they are
often confused with those of the flu. Even doctors may have a difficult
time diagnosing carbon monoxide poisoning, as victims will report
symptoms consistent with brain damage, even though they never suffered a
head trauma, fall, or other traumatic event.

Groups who are at a higher risk for developing carbon monoxide poisoning
include babies and young children, pregnant women, and those with heart
or lung problems.

What Are the Effects of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning on the Body and Brain?

The brain and heart can be deprived of oxygen when carbon monoxide is
ingested, because the gas has a high affinity for hemoglobin (the
principal oxygen-carrying compound in the blood). This means that when
the gas is ingested, hemoglobin prefers binding to carbon monoxide,
rather than oxygen. Therefore, the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood is
inhibited, preventing transportation of oxygen throughout the body.

Many believe that once they are removed from carbon monoxide exposure,
they will recover and stop experiencing poisoning side effects; however,
many oxygen deprivation side effects are permanent, and some can be
fatal.

Respiratory, cardiac, ocular and immune system problems can
result from stress and inflammation that occurs when the body is
deprived of oxygen, and there are several types of sequelae (conditions
that are the consequence of previous diseases or injuries) that can
develop following exposure to the gas, including:

Cognitive issues

Depression, anxiety, and psychosis

Motor issues

Neuropathy

Coordination issues

Vestibular disorders

Hearing loss

Visual disturbances

What Treatments Are Available to Test for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

To determine whether patients have carbon monoxide poisoning, doctors
may perform a number of tests involving speech, heart and lung function.
They may also perform the following:

Sleep studies

Image studies on the brain and heart

Electroencephalogram (EEG) tests

Vestibular and neurology tests

Psychiatry and neuropsychiatry studies

If patients are found to have carbon monoxide poisoning, they may
receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy to increase the levels of oxygen in
their blood; however, oxygen treatment does not necessarily prevent
sequelae, and patients may still develop permanent neurological problems
and other side effects if they were exposed to high levels of carbon
monoxide.

If you believe you are suffering from the effects of carbon monoxide
poisoning, our attorneys would like to hear from you. If another
individual or entity was negligent in causing your injuries, we may be
able to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for medical bills and pain
and suffering. Fill out our free case review
form today for more information.